The Virginia-class attack submarine, also known as the SSN-774 class, is the latest class of nuclear-powered submarines in service with the US Navy.

Out of a planned 66 Virginia-class submarines, 22 have been commissioned as of March, steadily replacing the retiring fleet of Los Angeles-class submarines.

Australia in March 2023 announced that it would purchase three Virginia-class submarines from the United States with an option for two more.

The submarines, which are a temporary measure while Australia and Britain build a new SSN-AUKUS class, are expected to arrive beginning in 2032.

The next generation SSN-774s feature the latest in stealth and reconnaissance technologies and significant advancements in the ability to conduct littoral operations.

A "fly-by-wire" ship control system gathers geospatial intelligence and maps the ocean floor, improving shallow-water navigation and diminishing the risks of collisions.

The SSN-774 has a 132-member crew and is specifically designed to support special forces. It includes a reconfigurable torpedo room that can host special operations personnel and their equipment. Large lock-in/lock-out pressure chambers allow divers to easily exit or board the vessel.

The submarine has exchanged old-fashioned barrel periscopes for high technology photonics masts equipped with visible and infrared digital cameras to capture surrounding conditions.

Silent and deadly

All Virginia-class submarines carry 12 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) and four torpedo tubes, capable of launching Mk 48 torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The latest Block V variants will have the additional Virginia Payload Module, which includes four large diameter tubes that can accommodate seven Tomahawks each.

The Virginia class is among the quietest and fastest submarines ever created.

The 115-meter-long submarines can sustain underwater speeds of more than 46 km per hour, propelled by a nuclear reactor, two steam turbines, a single-shaft pump-jet propeller and a secondary propulsion motor.

The acoustic signature of the Virginia class is said to equal that of the US Navy Seawolf class, or about 95 decibels. The ocean's natural volume level sits at about 90 decibels, rendering both classes virtually undetectable.

This silent but deadly capability makes the Virginia-class submarine ideal for collecting intelligence and delivering attack payloads, divers and special forces wherever they are needed.